Summer Transfer Thread: Speculation, Lies, Absolute Cr*p and Bosman Rumours

[JJ-AV]

Olsson from Blackburn who we've been linked with seems OK to me. He's a bit suspect defensively, but he's good going forward. That said, Blackburn fans seem to think he's crap.

Also one worry I have is, we've a mix of youth and inexperience at the minute. From the West Ham line up only Given, Ireland, N'Zogbia and Bent are established Premier League players.

I've no doubt we've signed good players, but I'd still like a bit of Premier League knowhow. Which is why I wouldn't be against Adam and wanted Huddlestone. Maybe a loan will materialise later in the window.

That said, Lambert seems calm about it and in no urgency to get some experience. McLeish seemed desperate for it (only logical explanation for swapping Jean Deux for Jenas).

[ozzjim]

I think Adam would do really well with Bent in the side, he is slow, but can play a hell of a pass.

[JJ-AV]

Same. Alot of wayward balls, but in the right system we'd get away with it. He's not a top 4 player, but he's certainly good enough to get us top half.

I just worry. Delph, Herd, Bannan, Gardner et al. might not deliver this season. Ireland is erratic. KAE and Holman are new to the league. I just wish we had a midfielder we could certainly rely on.

We miss Stan alot.

[Russ aka Big Nose]

I think Adam would do really well with Bent in the side, he is slow, but can play a hell of a pass.

Only if you're prepared to see lots of lost possession because he tries the 'hollywood' pass too often. In my view he loses the ball as frequently as NRC did - just with a bit more artistry. No thanks - Adam or NRC.

[The Situation]

Another fan of Lichaj here who thinks we should play him if we don't bring in a new left back. I hope he plays against Everton.

[JJ-AV]

I'm not sure that's fair; atleast Adam loses the ball attempting something positive. NRC lost it trying to control it infront of the back four!

[Russ aka Big Nose]

I'm not sure that's fair; atleast Adam loses the ball attempting something positive. NRC lost it trying to control it infront of the back four!

Still lost possession and NRC would do something about winning it back. I've said before - Adam had one good season and even then the Blackpool fans and his team-mates didn't vote him Player of the Year - yes the pundits loved him in the highlights package, but I trust the fans who turn up every week more than them.

[JJ-AV]

Just saw this elsewhere.

Shows squad sizes from last year (every player used in the league) and the amount each player played (hover over each green symbol and it says who the player is and how often he played).

http://public.tableausoftware.com/views/Premiershiplastyear/Premiershipsquadsizes?:embed=y

Man City used the second least. Some of our bigger players last year missed alot of games. Just shows how important keeping players fit is.

[ozzjim]

Interesting, but shows for me more than anything if the spine of your side is big, strong and quality on the ball, AND stay fit, you have a chance of anything. Hart, Lescott, Kompany, Barry, Silva and Aguerro all 34 plus games. Hell of a spine through that side. Barry did well.

[JJ-AV]

Keeping the ball is key.

I bet there's a correlation between percentage statistics and the amount of players used.

Then again, Arsenal and Stoke's relative positions go completely against that! Thought I'd like to see the same list after the window had shut.

[Ron Manager]

I have a feeling we are going to sign Kenwyne Jones. That is based purely on the fact that Bent and Jones worked well together at Sunderland and Bent scored on a regular basis.

However should Bent get injured you couldnt trust Jones to score the goals. Although he has the physical equipment to be a top rate centre forward and is very good in the air (Bent isnt) he has one vital factor missing from his game. He doesnt have a heart for top grade football.

He gives the impression he is happy enough to collect his wages, enjoy the good life top wages provide ,not upset his manager by not trying in training and carry on like that for as long as possible.

If he can provide Bent with chances all well and good but 4 or possibly 5mil would be my limit.

Perhaps others may disagree but some players cannot change the way they are are and Jones is one of that type.

[nigel]

Baker is never a left back. Clark is much more comfortable out there. If we don't get a left back in and Warnock goes then I think we should swap 'em around. Then again, I'd prefer Lichaj to play.

I can only remember Clark playing left back once and he got torn apart by Kightley.

Yes, then if I remember correctly Warnock came on and played a blinder 

[Monty]

I have a feeling we are going to sign Kenwyne Jones. That is based purely on the fact that Bent and Jones worked well together at Sunderland and Bent scored on a regular basis.

Lambert's just said it won't happen.

[Shrek]

Yep he said Defoe and Jonea won't happen.

[Phil from the upper holte]

Where did he say that?